Quebec’s one-time grocery & energy payment in 2026: Who qualifies and how to get it.

As the cost of living continues to creep up across Canada, keeping your household budget balanced can feel like a full-time job. Thankfully, governments are stepping in with targeted relief measures. In Quebec, a newly announced, one-time refundable tax credit is arriving just in time to help residents offset those stubbornly high grocery bills and energy costs. 

If you live in Quebec, here’s your friendly, straightforward guide to the June 2026 special payment – including exactly who qualifies, how much you’ll get, and how to ensure you receive it.

Table of contents:
•    What’s the Quebec special payment for groceries and energy?
•    Who’s eligible for the payment?
•    How much will you receive?
•    When and how will you get paid?
•    What if you haven’t filed your 2024 tax return yet?
•    Why this payment matters.
•    How H&R Block can help you claim your cash.
•    Frequently asked questions.

What’s the Quebec special payment for groceries and energy?

On May 25, 2026, the Quebec government officially introduced a new, one-time refundable tax credit. It’s specifically designed to provide quick financial relief to low- and middle-income households feeling the squeeze at the supermarket checkout and on their utility bills. 

Here’s the best part: while the credit is intended to cushion the blow of rising grocery and energy costs, there are absolutely no restrictions on how you use the funds. Whether you need it for food, electricity, or just to catch up on other bills, the money is yours to spend as you see fit.

Pro tip: This is a strict one-time benefit aimed at easing short-term financial pressure. It’s not a recurring monthly or quarterly payment, so you'll want to plan your budget accordingly!
 

Who’s eligible for the payment?

To qualify for this special lump-sum payment, you must:

• Be eligible for the Solidarity Tax Credit for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.  
• This means your eligibility is fundamentally based on your living situation as of December 31, 2024.  

Are there exceptions? Yes, individuals who received social assistance for the month of December 2024 are automatically eligible for this credit; even if they haven’t filed a 2024 tax return.
 

How much will you receive?
The Quebec government has structured the payment amounts around the number of individuals per household. Here’s the breakdown of what you can expect:

For parents with shared custody arrangements, there’s no need to split the difference: both parents will receive the full $50 additional amount.

The best news: Unlike the regular quarterly solidarity tax credit, this special one-time payment is not reduced based on your income. If you qualify for the credit, you get the full amount! 

When and how will you get paid?
The rollout for this program is designed to be as frictionless as possible:

• No application required: You don’t need to fill out any extra forms or apply through a portal. Revenu Québec will calculate everything behind the scenes.
• Automatic distribution: Payments will start rolling out automatically on June 4, 2026. 

To ensure your money arrives without a hitch, it’s highly recommended to log into your Revenu Québec online account to verify that your direct deposit details and personal mailing address are completely up to date.
 

What if you haven’t filed your 2024 tax return?

Life happens, and it’s easy to fall behind on paperwork. If you haven’t filed your 2024 taxes yet, don't panic; you haven't lost out on this money.

• You have until December 31, 2028, to file your 2024 Quebec tax return and still retroactively receive this special grocery and energy credit.
• With that said, the sooner you file, the sooner Revenu Québec can process your file and send out your automated payment.
   

Why this payment matters.
Between global supply chain shifts and inflation, the cost of everyday essentials has been a major pain point for households across the province. This one-time credit offers a bit of breathing room right when it’s needed most. Because it acts as a stress-free, automated top-up to existing provincial benefits, it puts cash directly back into your pocket without adding any extra administrative headaches. 
 

How H&R Block can help.
Trying to keep track of changing provincial tax rules, filing deadlines, and benefit eligibility can feel overwhelming. At H&R Block, our local Tax Experts are happy to do the heavy lifting for you.

We can help you:

• Catch up and file your 2024 tax return with perfect accuracy.
• Verify your eligibility for all upcoming 2026 provincial and federal benefit programs.
• Uncover missed deductions to maximize your tax refund.

Visit an H&R Block Tax Expert today! 
 

Frequently asked questions.